I hope that my frequent five star ratings of establishments does not diminish the veracity of what…read moreI type in these reviews. Writing reviews for me is more about giving my fellow yelp family the opportunity to visit these locations to sample, taste, buy and own the best of what is available whilst getting exceptional quality for their money and unparalleled service. I'm not about bargains, I prefer quality over quantity. And if it's good enough, large volumes can be consumed...I've been known to eat three meals in one sitting with dessert and the usual accompaniment of vino. Franklin Country Meats (FCM) is an fine example of a butcher that puts out high quality fare. If you're after volume at a cheap price, then I'd recommend you go somewhere else. If you're happy to pay a little bit extra for fantastic meat, then this is definitely one butcher to stop in at. A friend had recommended FCM to me some years ago. He stated that the meat doesn't shrink like other meats purchased at other butchers'. He named one franchise in particular which just happened to be the one that I 'used to buy' my meat from. That and a supermarket chain, both of which shall remain unnamed. I'd always thought of meat as being a means to an end...something that was served up but couldn't really be dressed up much more than what it was...because it was meat. I've always thought that if I wanted to eat an exceptional cut, it would have to be served up at a fine dining restaurant. It annoys me now, that I'd held this misconception for some years because the two best and most memorable steaks that I had ever eaten in the world were not at fine dining establishments. One was at a restaurant in Dahab, Egypt where the beast was slaughtered and prepared to be served the following day. What was surprising was that this restaurant did not purport itself to be anything other than a place for sustenance, nourishment and 'hydrating' after a spectacular day diving in the Red Sea. The other most memorable steak of equal standing was from a cafe that I happened across in Brussels, Belgium. It was a €5 Euro meal which had steak, pomme frites and salate. They didn't even ask me how I wanted it, and it was served rare! What an absolute delight that steak was. And if you've been to Belgium, you'd know that they do food fantastically. Now, coming back to FCM. The reason this review has come about in a roundabout way, is because I wanted to highlight that you don't need t spend top dollar to have the best steak in the world. Hotel Kostes, Paris. Jin Mao Tower, Shanghai. Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park. Le Méridien Etoile, Paris. London Hilton on Park Lane. The Grosvenor, Park Lane. Fantastic meals, I have enjoyed at all of these places, but you could have five star quality meat from Franklin Country Meats. Their pork marinated ribs are divine and they have gold medal, silver medal and bronze medal awarded sausages. Their casarole cuts are top notch and do not shrink when you slow cook them. All in all, the best of the best, except for the bacon and ham, which I go to Pokeno Bacon for. Love, love, love all the same!!!

From the owner: We have a large range of specialty Meat products.read more

Yes Nosh in Matakana is not the discount supermarket, however the supermarket for the foodie who…read moreknows there food. If you're passing through Matakana Village or perhaps spending a weekend up the coast close to Matakana why not give yourself a big splurge with fresh and packaged gourmet food. I was in the mood to do some cooking, and thought I would get some courgettes which were tempting me from the outside stand for my stir fry. Once inside, I just wanted to grab a whole bunch of moreish foods just because. My reason got the better of me, and I decided on a few loaves of Coupland's Bakery pre packed sliced bread, a container of deli olives and and the courgettes. They have a really neat variety of products from all around the world, so really an international food shopping experience. You must be warned that after a few chosen pieces from Nosh your bill does add up fast, so make sure you know your budget because you may just splurge without realizing.

A splendid place to get all your delicatessen and gourmet food needs. A great cheese and small…read moregoods selection, excellent dry goods like pastas and canned/jar foods, a nice variety of fruits and vegetables and helpful friendly service. If you need food items that are exotic or gourmet, or your taste buds need a tickle, this is the best place to find it when you are in the Matakana/Omaha/Leigh and Snells Beach area. A true Matakana gem.

Let's say for argument sake I lived in Norwest Auckland on a lifestyle block and needed to contact…read moresomeone reputable to process our homekill, I'd give these guys a call: With 30 years' butchering experience and two awards for their top quality sausages, Bruce Scott, owner of Kaipara Meat Processors & Scott's Traditional Meats in Helensville will take your animal from the field to the freezer! I've had a peek at their hygienic premises where you pick up your product. 64B Mill Road, is directly behind Scott's Traditional Meats on the main road leading into Helensville. Of course the meats are absolutely delicious at Scott's where they manufacture everything on site such as bacon, ham, salami's, sausages, luncheon, dog rolls, specialty sausages such as Bratwurst, Cabanas, Chorizo, etc.

'Super Sausages' says the sign outside, and they sure are super! Former All Black Glen Osbourne now…read moreowns the butchery in Matakana, and he sure does a damn good sausage. I was lucky enough to be given a packet of sausages free of charge one evening, because he was closing up - now that's a good local butcher! Our BBQ has been supplied all summer by the Matakana Butcher; steak, chops, chicken kebabs...all fresh and pretty good value. He also does a MEAN lamb roast for Sundays. Many people prefer the convenience of supermarket meat, but at least you know with a local butcher you're not getting something mega mass produced. It's also sourced locally, which is got to be better for everyone!

Butcher Jacks has been in operation in Glenfield since 1995…read more They have a long relationship with the neighborhood and are well known by the locals of the North Shore. I popped in recently on a trip to the doctors and pharmacy only right next door and decided to buy some delicious NZ Scotch fillet steak for dinner. The set up inside the big red store is similar to that of a supermarket; they have packed meats in fridges and freezers. The difference between Butcher Jacks and say the franchise butcher down the street is that they pride themselves on serving 100% NZ owned meat, and they even produce on site their own bacon, sausages and legs of ham at anytime of the year. I really enjoyed my dinner that evening; the meat was top quality and just a perfect few cuts. Weekly specials change every week so check out what they have to offer, and you will walk off with a freezer full of meat and a great bargain! They are moving to a new location just down the road in a few weeks, so be sure not to miss them next time your near Wairau Road.

A hidden gem. The tandoori chicken and spicy lamb sausages are the best in NZ. If your anywhere…read morenear St Luke's or want to go for a drive to find a decent butcher this is the place.

If I was ever in of need motivation to start that new healthy lifestyle, this would most definitely…read morebe my first port of call. Row upon row of fresh vege, plump apricots the size of cricket balls, purple carrots AND purple broccolini... they even have potted wheatgrass! As well as produce these guys boast an impressive range of artisan products. Everything from elderflower cordial to Moroccan-spiced couscous. Plus they have a small but well-crafted wine section. However perhaps, the best thing about this place, is that everything seems to cheaper than what you would pay at a Food Market like this in AK. Don't get me wrong, you could still spend plenty of $$ up in here but I bet if you did the same shop in AK it would be substantially more expensive.

I have found my new happy place. Farro & Nosh - you won't be seeing me for a while now I have this…read morebad boy just down the road. The fruit & vege selection is understandably great, considering all the market gardens in the area. It's awesome to see signs letting you know this is NZ- and locally-grown, even the garlic! And the prices are dirt-cheap for all the seasonal produce. They even have a small range of seedlings, herbs & vegetable plants. My kitchen counter is proudly displaying a big bowl of micro-green radish sprouts & I feel healthier every time I look at them! But Boric also has: a fresh fish counter, butchery, deli, icecream by the scoop, coffee, homemade cakes, dinners & salads, a kids' playground AND a boutique selection of homewares & the finest artisan products. And friendly staff. And a great wine, beer & cider selection. And I've probably missed something out. This is the kind of place that you could easily wander around for ages, progressively filling up that trolley more & more. I can see that will quickly become my new hobby!